{25 Days of Christmas} Chicago at Christmas: Zoo Lights

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What could be better than Christmas lights paired with baby gorillas?  NOTHING. I know that going to the zoo during the winter seems illogical, but both zoos in the Chicagoland area put on some pretty amazing Zoo Lights. So if you feel like braving the cold (or really not so cold weather...) head on over to a zoo or two.

Every year I try to get to Lincoln Park’s Zoo Lights.  It’s free.  Santa is there.  Not to mention, this year there are two new baby gorillas (and a baby zebra!).  Count me in.

Source: LP Zoo

 The lights are presented by ComEd and Charter One.  As mentioned previously it is FREE.

Dates: 21-23, 26-31, January 1-6

Hours:  5-9 pm

Address:2001 North Clark Street · Chicago, IL 60614

For more information visit the Lincoln ParkZoo Website, or call 312-742-20000

 While highlighting the zoos in the city, I can’t fail to mention the mothership, Brookfield Zoo. I would love to make it to Brookfield Zoo’s holiday magic this season, but alas I must only choose one. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the Great bear wilderness and nightly dolphin show!
Holiday magic runs the remaining weekends in December (12/22, 12/23) plus  12/26-12/31

Hours: 4:00pm-9:00pm

Regular Zoo Admission + Parking Fee apply (womp womp):Children (3-11) $10.50 Seniors (over 65) $10.50  Adult (12-65) $15.00

Address:
3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, IL 60513

For more information visit the Brookfield Zoological Society’s Website

{25 Days of Christmas} Chicago at Christmas: Ice Skating

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Aside from being semi-crafty, I’m also a Chicago girl. I love the city and everything it has to offer, so today I’m going to highlight one of my favorite Chicago holiday spots:  the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.  Nestled right in the heart of Millennium park is a small ice rink, free to the public.  The only thing you have to pay for is the ice skate rental ($10).  Trust me, this is the perfect spot to go with friends or your loved ones for a fun daytime trip, or a romantic evening.  So if you’re in Chicago, grab some hot chocolate, your winter hat, and skate away!

Photo Courtesy of Chicago Signature Properties

(You might want to wait until it gets a bit colder or snows for the full effect).  I promised the boyfriend this WILL be the year we go ice skate.  I typically prefer to be the watcher than the embarrassed novice skater, but hey, you only live once. If you're hungry after, be sure to try the kobe beef burger at Park Grill...yums.

Now through March 10, 2013

Address:

Millennium Park

Michigan Ave & Washington St.

Chicago, IL 60602

Regular Hours for the season are as follows:

Mondays through Thursdays: 12 pm — 8 pm

Fridays: 12 pm — 10 pm

Saturdays (through Dec. 29): 10 am — 10 pm

Saturdays (beginning Jan. 5): 10 am — 9 pm

Sundays: 10 am — 9 pm

Holiday Hours:

Thursday, November 22 (Thanksgiving Day): 10 am — 4 pm

Monday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): 10 am — 6 pm

Tuesday, December 25 (Christmas): 10 am — 4 pm

Monday, December 31 (New Year's Eve): 10 am — 8 pm

Tuesday, January 1 (New Year's Day): 12 pm — 9 pm

Click here for more information! 

{25 Days of Christmas} Holiday Subway Art

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A great way to add some color to your holiday table is to frame a piece of subway art.  There are handfuls of websites and bloggers that design their own art, and make it free for download; I am one such blogger!  I needed something for the bathroom.  If you know me at all, you know I have an awkward sense of humor.  Just print this baby out at home or the local Kinkos and voila Christmas art!

Enter the bathroom holiday subway art:
 

This is free for download in two color variations. If you email and beg me, I might be able to do the color scheme of your choice. Just click on the picture you want to download.  It will take you to a site where you can print or download (or click here for the pink, here for the gold) Enjoy, but please give credit where credit is due.  Also, I love seeing my work in action, so take a picture and email me or leave a comment with the link!

Some other sites for subway art:

Eighteen 25's Holiday Art / Betty Crocker Wannabe's Tree / Smitten Blog Design's Word Art

Craftily Ever After's Keep Calm Prints

Less Cake More Frosting's Elf Print / Simply Good Stuff's Baby Print / Today's Creative Holiday Cheer

Check back tomorrow for more holiday designs!
As a special treat to my awesome blog readers, I'm offering a 10% discount on my Etsy products, just use the code HOLIDAY10!